Randomness

Today is a random day. There is a lot on my mind, but here are the most random thoughts...


My car has now been recalled TWICE. Maybe that means another free 100,000 mile warranty. I might be the luckiest car owner in the world.
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I really wish I had Hannah Montana tickets for this weekend at the Ford Center, just so I could say I had tickets to the Hannah Montana concert. And then make some little girl cry with joy after I generously sold them to her desperate mom for $350 each.
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Did anyone watch Grey's last Thursday? YES....I'm still talking about it because YES I'm still traumatized by the last scene. I literally had nightmares and I can't stop thinking about it. Finally Grey's gets good again!
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Don't tell Aubrey, but she's brilliant. Getting me to agree to teach Bible class on Wednesday nights with her is the only thing that will get me there. And last night was my first night and I loved it. 3-year-olds are the best age to teach.
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Guess what I will be receiving in 5-7 business days? Only the greatest television series in the history of television, "My So-Called Life". Now the complete series is on DVD and I am going to buy it for myself for Christmas. The 19 episodes of this gone-too-soon series spoke to me as a young teenager on the cusp of high school. And Jordan Catalano will always be my first love. After Zack Morris, of course.
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John asked me what I want for Christmas, and I can't think of any really great ideas. I asked for clothes, a digital camera, noise-canceling headphones, tennis shoes, and iTunes gift cards. But that was my list for family...I can't think of what I want from John! Any ideas??

This is the True Story...

Last night, a realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

I'm too old to be on "The Real World".

What?! How did this happen? How did I miss my chance? I had 6 years to audition and get picked to live in a house with 6 strangers.

I had 6 years of eligibility to find out what happens when people stop being nice and start getting real.

Now, I'm too old. Not only that, but I've been too old for almost 3 years!! I'll never be able to realize the dream, which means I'll never get to be on "The Real World-Road Rules Challenge".

I've missed one of life's great opportunities. Guess I'll have to go "be real" at my own house with my own mortgage and my own full-time, lifelong roommate. Whom I love and am entirely happy with, even though he doesn't cuss at me or call me a racist or has sex with me in a confessional like my "Real World" roommates would. I mean, I'm missing out on some major things....but I guess cozy nights at home in front of "The Office" with him makes up for it all!

Do you think I could at least get on "The Hills"?

Where did Turkey Day go?

Some quick glances into my Thanksgiving weekend:

I did not participate in the Black Friday morning madness. I did, however, hit the Battlefield Mall in Springfield that afternoon where I found quite a few deals. For myself. That someone else bought me for Christmas presents. I bask in my own awesomeness.
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Apparently, passengers in vehicles pulled over in Missouri are just as responsible for speeding offenses as the drivers are. John was pulled over on Thursday (yes Thanksgiving) night, about 500 feet from our exit directly into Springfield, which would have meant out of the 300-or-so miles we traveled John was pulled over 4 miles before we arrived.

Anyway...so the highway patrol officer comes up and tells John he clocked him going 77 in a 60. John fumbled around the lame excuse of "I don't live here" and then the officer referred to at least 4 signs within the previous two miles indicating a change in speed. THEN proceeds to ask my mom (in the backseat) and me (in the driver's seat) why we didn't pay attention and alert John to the change! I really thought for a moment all 3 of us were going to get tickets!

So, Merry Christmas to me....John will be contributing my Christmas present to paving Missouri roads.
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We decorated the house on Sunday after an early morning trip home. I even got ornaments on the tree, and that's not my favorite thing to do. The house looks beautiful, if I do say so myself. Still a few things to get to complete the new house look....but I like it. I especially love having a mantle this year!

We celebrated by watching "Christmas Vacation" with the commentary on and finally (FINALLY!) learned who the person on the cover of "People" magazine is when Chevy Chase is reading it in bed...you know, with all the sap on his fingers....if you're a "Vacation" fan, you'd understand the momentous revelation this really is.
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Thanks (or not) to Aubrey for introducing me to the new Hershey's Milk Chocolate Mint miniature bars. As if Reese's Trees and candy canes weren't enough this holiday I now have another candy to devour while watching Christmas movies every night for the next 29 days.

Also, John made Trash yesterday (party mix) and I can't help myself. This is why I don't keep bags of Double Stuff Oreo's in my house....because suddenly I look up and my plate is empty and my scale says "hello 8 pounds"!
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Speaking of weight....no more Weight Watchers for the rest of the year. Too much disappointment in myself. AND....I gave up my ban on pre-meal bread. Why didn't any of you tell me how stupid that was?!
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I finished my book club book. Ok, ok...never judge a book by it's cover. If you want a GREAT read you can't put down, a good ghost story, and something that makes you think....get "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield. I promise after the first couple of chapters it gets gooooooooood....
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Other than that, I slept, watched football (Go Sooners!), did not get on the computer, read magazines and books, and just enjoyed a stress-free holiday weekend. And ate turkey dinner at Steak and Ale. Not as bad as it sounds...

We Believe

At our house we believe in Santa Claus.

We believe in the magic of the Christmas season.

We believe in Hope this Christmas.

We pray the beginning of the Christmas season brings joy, hope, magic and happiness to your family!

Thankful from A-Z

Just a few of the things I'm thankful for today...

A- Aunt Linda
B- Book Club and Bare Minerals Makeup
C- Cable and Chocolate Chip Cookies
D- Dad and DVR
E- Education
F- Faith (both the religious kind and the cat)
G- Grandparents (all 4!)
H- Hope and Home
I- Internet for blogging and iPod
J- John
K- Kindness of my church family
L- Lots of love
M- Mom and Melissa
N- New friends
O- Old friends
P- Positive attitude
Q- Quarterback Sam Bradford
R- Restful weekends
S- Starbucks and Sister
T- Traveling (believe it or not)
U- University of Oklahoma Sooners
V- VPN connection so I can work from home
W- Work (I love my job)
X- X-Mas (ok, Christmas but what else starts with X?)
Y- Young Marrieds class at church
Z- Zen...or Zoom of my car....what other Z am I missing??
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We're off to Missouri for the weekend to visit family. It will probably be Sunday before we get back. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Way Back Wednesday

On Wednesdays one of our local radio stations plays "Way Back Wednesdays", where they play old music (mostly 80s, early 90s) for the afternoon and, I imagine, old people wax nostalgic about seeing Van Halen in concert or dressing like cone-bra Madonna for Halloween. Old people do that, you know?

Well, recently I tuned in for a brief moment to Way Back Wednesday just in time to hear "Lightning Crashes" by Live, followed by an array of Pearl Jam songs. What was my immediate thought?

"What happened to Way Back Wednesday? Is it a holiday or something? Because surely, SURELY Pearl Jam isn't playing right now. That's my music, and I'm not old!"

But, alas, it was Way Back Wednesday and Pearl Jam is like 15 years old or something and I'm now approaching a point in my life where 15 years ago I was a teenager. Not quite, but close.

Anyway, I say all of that for my next story, which doesn't have a lot to do with the previous story but it's how I get to the next thought.

That incident caused me to dig out the CD's piled up in books in a bag in the trunk of my car. Many of those CD's were transferred over to the new wave of easy listening, my trusty 30 GB iPod (which is already as outdated as my CD's). But there are still several that haven't made the transfer and I decided to break them out.

I went through a phase for a while where I was only into Christian music. Not that it's a bad thing, just interesting. I still like Christian music because it sounds so much like the Top 40 Rock I love these days. Anyway, I stumbled across my collection and was drawn to a Michael W. Smith CD called "Live the Life". 1998 was the release date, which would have put me in my junior/senior year of high school.

The entire album is incredible, just so you know. It's powerful in all the right ways and moving and leaves you feeling spiritual--even without the lyrics. I would say it's probably MWS's best work that I've heard. I've played it a hundred times since last Tuesday when I dug it out and it gets me every time.

If you get a chance, listen to the CD. From the first track you will be moved, a song called "Missing Person".

But the real gem of this album is Track 4, called "Unloved". I found a video on YouTube that has the song in it....I don't like the video that much, but I wanted you to be able to hear the song.

I'll be honest--I don't always dig deep to understand my relationship with God. God and I have a conversational relationship...rarely do I get on my knees and really consume myself in prayer. Mostly it's continuing a conversation I started in the shower or drive to work and we just catch up as I go through my day. I'm not saying it's right, but it's how we connect.

I've been feeling a lot of disappointment lately, even though there are few things to be disappointed about. And it's natural to get bitter and frustrated and hopeless. I don't think I'm the kind of kid God is exactly proud of these days (though it's not like I'm the black sheep of the family....just the bitter older child who thinks too much, probably). I've been angry and frustrated and it's amazing what being seriously hopeless will do to your attitude. So, when I listened to this song again for the first time about a week ago, I lost it. I don't know why it was so powerful and so moving....but it was. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

Do you ever stop and think about how powerful that is? I think I struggle with all the things so many of us struggle with: being cynical and pessimistic in the face of unrelenting blessings; sarcasm in the face of kindness; hopelessness in a world where technology and medicine and opportunity have provided answers for even the hardest of questions. And I boldly struggle with my faith and my actions right in front of God. But I can be as unwise, unsure, unreachable, unfaithful as anyone can possibly be...and I will never be unloved.

Anyway...I don't often stop and think about how powerful love is. How powerful true, unconditional, deep, understanding love is. This song made me think about that, and made me so truly thankful to experience that. To understand who God is and know that he's always there and ready to forgive me and bless me and hang out with me anytime I'm ready to be there. I don't always have the strength or the will to pray, to continually ask him for help (I've got a couple of friends covering for me when I can't do it), but it's awfully nice to know he's there. Always.

Unpaid Product Endorsement

This makes TWO posts on a day I didn't think I had anything to talk about. This is just for Emily, although I don't know why she'd need makeup because she's beautiful! ;) This is my post I wrote earlier today that I figured would be boring to everyone else! If you're a guy you can skip right on over this post!
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I've been wanting to tell you guys about Bare Minerals make-up. As many of you close to me know, I could go on and on (and on) about this amazing product. I could be a celebrity spokesperson for this make-up, it's that good.

Almost 2 years ago I changed up some of the ingredients in my daily medicinal cocktail, and with it my hormones went wacky. For the first time in my life I had an acne problem. Oh, sure, as a teenager there was an occasional zit (most often on prom night or before senior pictures or on a first date) but never anything resembling a problem.

I didn't know what to do....anything I tried to make it better ended up making it worse. Suddenly, beyond just an acne problem I was getting long-lasting acne scars. My skin was ugly, I was embarrassed, and it was painful. I'd been to a dermatologist, tried everything over the counter, under than counter, behind the counter, and stopped just short calling Michael Jackson to find out where he gets the masks for Blanket.

Now, I've been known to fall for a few infomercials in my time....most notably Windsor Pilates and the GT Express (neither of which I use today). I even fell for Proactiv in a moment of desperation. Proactiv actually made my skin worse and I felt like I'd suffered through a harsh chemical peel. I still use one of Proactiv's products, but I couldn't use it like P Diddy and Jennifer Love Hewitt wanted me to.

I didn't believe that the kind of coverage my awful skin needed could be found in a powder, yet I watched the early morning infomercials about Bare Minerals over and over. And finally, because I couldn't take it any more, I gave it a shot. I did my research online, consumer reports, testimonials from friends. And I headed to Sephora and purchased the Starter Kit, which came with everything I needed including the brushes.

People, I don't know what else to tell you except give it a shot. Whether you have good skin or bad skin....this stuff is amazing. Not only did it cover all my flaws, but after about 2 weeks of using it my face cleared up. I actually look forward to putting on makeup each day--it's one of my favorite parts of the day!

Another thing is that I'm not dying to get home to take it off. Just ask John--I used to skip out on evening activities just so I could wash my face and stay in to hide away. Now, it does not feel like I'm wearing makeup, and my acne problem has turned in to an occasional red spot that lasts about a day. The makeup is all-natural (read the ingredient list) and it sits on top of your face, instead of sinking into your pores. I don't know how it works, but it does.

You can read about Bare Minerals on their website, and you can go to Sephora to have them apply your makeup and help you figure out what you need. Or you can call me and I'll give you a demonstration like I did with my sister this weekend and then I will help you pick everything out! THAT is how excited I am about this stuff....I'd take you shopping and help you pick everything out and then squeal and get excited for you!

Sorry for the long speel....I just know I'm always looking for product recommendations and I want you to know this is something I truly believe in. Between Bare Minerals and Cetaphil face wash, for the first time in two years I love touching my face and seeing myself in the mirror. If you want to know more, just e-mail me!

I should be a motivational speaker

NaBloPoMo sucks. How do I know it sucks? Because it's at this point during the month that EVERYONE is tired of posting every day and trying to be creative every 24 hours and I can't even steal ideas or draw inspiration from any other blogs. So now I'm pouting.

I started to write a blog about my new favorite thing in the entire world, Bare Minerals makeup, but then I just knew that would be super boring. It wasn't boring to me because, much like the DVR, it's changed my life except this product actually makes me want to leave the house whereas the DVR makes me want to stay in (must...tape...every...episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8 to watch later).

Then I thought about writing about the new-old CD I rediscovered last week and how it's been making me ponder and blubber in my car to and from work for days and days. But, that's a more fitting entry for tomorrow because it relates to Way Back Wednesday (just wait and see).

Then I tried to write about some of the crazy stories I've heard on MSNBC. Like the mother of a teenage girl who set up a cruel MySpace joke that caused another teenage girl to hang herself in the closet. Or the lady in California who lost all three of her children in a horrendous car accident last year and is now pregnant with triplets.

And then when I couldn't piece anything together, I realized today was just not the day for fun and creative entries. Or even deep and depressing entries. So, this is what you get. I did do a little research today and found that writer's block is a serious issue, and can be traced to Britney Spears' Mickey Mouse Club debut in the 1990s...makes me feel better to know that it's not my fault.

Whirlwind

Don't you hate those bloggers who claim to be COMMITTED to NaBloPoMo and then forget to post every day? It's so annoying....who do those people think they are?

Sorry about my lack of posting for TWO DAYS! At least three people made some sort of comment about it to me over the weekend and those were just people I saw in person. Anyway...Thursday was quite a day, with all the traveling. That's a lie...there is free Wi-Fi in the Charleston airport (I know, right?!! I didn't even think they HAD Wi-Fi in the sticks! Let alone FREE...at the AIRPORT!). But I was working. And the President of the agency was with me. And it's very hard to think when surrounded by coal miner's daughters and their mullets. And their whining...lots of whining in West Virginia.

Friday I spent the day in Tulsa and didn't have a chance to log on. Ok, ok, ok....that's a lie, too. Because I got in late the night before, I worked from home in the morning and headed to T-town around noon. Then, I got home and had well over an hour before heading out for Christmas shopping and Centennial fireworks. Oklahoma celebrated 100 years of statehood. It's ok, I don't care either. Especially since I didn't get the day off like some people.

It was more than just Oklahoma's birthday...it was also the birthday of THREE (count them, THREE) babies of our friends. Edmond CofC is 3 babies bigger after Friday...must have been a full moon or something. We're excited to meet Joel and Madeline. We met Taylor Sunday morning! Joel is especially exciting to us as Neil and Mary have been our inspiration in the face of all our struggles...we're so excited for them!

So, anyway, Saturday John decides to take advantage of the BEAUTIFUL 75-degree, windless sunny Oklahoma afternoon and put up Christmas lights on the house. He started the morning with helping Nathan put his lights up (in true "I'll rub your back if you rub mine" fashion) and then they came over to our house. Later that night John and I drove around (our Griswold estate lighting up the neighborhood) and John grumbled something about our neighborhood sucking because no one has lights up.

What is your take on Christmas before Thanksgiving? We don't have any major plans this year, no major family dinners to look forward to....Thanksgiving will come and go as a delightful four-day weekend for us. So we're starting Christmas celebrations early, but I know MANY people are adamantly opposed to singing "Jingle Bells" before pumpkin pie is served.

I tried to explain to him that by this Friday lots of houses will have lights up and on. But with Christmas still being over a month away and not even through Thanksgiving yet....people aren't ready to turn their lights on.

And, HELLO, we're in a major energy crisis! Have we learned NOTHING from Al Gore?

Anyway....in addition to the surprise party and our last Children's Bible Hour until April, that was my excitement this weekend. I'm tired just thinking about it, but it was a good time. Rounding out my month of busy weekends is a trip to my grandparent's in Missouri for Thanksgiving. Then maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to sit down and catch up on WEEKS of TV.

I'll tell you this much....the only new show I've stuck with this season is Dirty Sexy Money. That, Grey's, House, and Brothers and Sisters are pretty much the only things I'm watching. Oh...and The Hills because who doesn't watch The Hills, seriously?

The Scourge Strikes Again

ESPN is reporting this morning: Bob Stoops has confirmed that Britney Spears was, in fact, responsible for last night's humiliating loss at Texas Tech.

Her partner-in-BCS-crime was obviously Tyrone Willingham, since Notre Dame beat Duke. He gave the Irish a rest so that OU could watch their title hopes blow away in the West Texas wind.

Surprise!

Party, party, party....a few weeks ago, my sister called and asked if we should throw Mom a surprise 50th Birthday Party! Sounded like fun to me. And even with invitations going out late, and a last-minute location change, and getting over hosting a Baby Shower and coordinating Bible Hour and traveling for work....we pulled it off and I thought it was a beautiful party.

She had a lot of old friends from Westwood, and long-time college friends, and old work friends. There were about 40 people there, and I think everyone had a good time. The best part--she was REALLY surprised! She had no idea!

Anyway, I actually have some cute pictures. I wish I had some with more of the guests that came. But in the meantime, here you go....Julia and I did a great job decorating, if I do say so myself!

I hope she had a fun time. We love you, Mom! Have a great day!

Out of Town

Well, I'm off to West Virginia, where I can't guarantee I'll have internet access....it's the sticks, you know?!

So this may be your only blog of the day....

Men are from Mars and believe really strange things...

This may be sensitive for some of my male readers. But I am here today to talk about a few myths guys believe about women. There are so many to choose from, but these seem to be the most blatant myths we need to dispel.

That's right...some of you men have been operating under the assumption that what you see in the movies is reality. Unfortunately, the time has come to break the news ever so gently. Brace yourself as your fantasies come crashing down.

1. Women are not hairless, and once we're married (or even in a committed relationship lasting through the winter) we don't shave anymore. In fact, in lieu of shaving we may buy static guard to cut down on the electricity generated between lined wool pants and hairy legs.

2. Women do not have pillow fights in our underwear at slumber parties. There is never a time where feathers start to fly as we hit each other and giggle, our hair doesn't bounce around our scantily-clad bodies. Usually slumber parties involve sweatpants (not shorts, see #1), ponytail holders, and lots of cookie dough. Maybe a movie where we cry. It's actually your worst nightmare.

3. Women are not automatically good cooks. Some of us hate cooking. Especially when they cook your favorite casserole that your mom used to make, then you tell them it's not as good as your mom's. Then we are not only bad cooks, but we hate to cook as well. Then you might get stuck making Hamburger Helper the rest of your life while your wife eats Ghirardelli squares in front of "Everybody Loves Raymond" on the couch. I'm just saying....

4. Women do enjoy a healthy religious discussion from time to time. We like to read the Bible and understand how it applies to our life. And, true, Eve may have eaten the apple first. But let's be honest--what does it say about the strength of a man that he followed right along? And, by the way, women don't think that joke is funny after the 892nd time you tell it.

I don't want to overwhelm you with these truths, so I'll stop for now. Take a breath, and remind yourself that in spite of all these things, women are still totally awesome.

***Editors Note: Not all of these items are myths that John believed. Obviously the cooking and religious ones....but he was not the one that brought up the slumber party myth. That was in conversations with several guy friends over the years.

It's NaBloPoMo....I'm trying to come up with daily material. I'm not mad at John, he doesn't objectify me or my friends, it's just funny observations about things guys have said over the years.***

Rhetorical Questions

My mind runs rampant, especially at work when I'm trying to get a thousand things done before traveling to the exciting metropolis of...wait for it...Charleston, West Virginia. Here are the deep, meaningful questions I've asked myself today.

Why is it ok for someone to "love" cooking, but since I like to clean I'm a "freak"? Or "obsessive-compulsive"? Why do you have to have a mental disorder to enjoy cleaning your baseboards and making your bed?

According to Wikipedia, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) increases your risk of hospitalization by 6-35%. Why is it ok for people to suffer from a fake disease like SAD (suicides are up during this time) but yet you must be nuts for vacuuming your couches regularly? (Incidentally, despite Wikipedia's suggestion that SAD is caused by lack of light, 1 in 5 psychiatrists attribute it to Britney Spears).

How can Sudafed that is "pseudoephedrine-free" and sold without giving your driver's license number really be as affective as the stuff filled with pseudoephedrine? I don't know about you, but I believe if the meth heads don't want it, it must not be very good. These people smoke drain cleaner....I imagine they know what decongestant works best.

If I order Cracker Barrel breakfast and the biscuits serve as 1/3 of the meal (listed on the menu) does it really count as pre-meal bread? AND, since I forgot to mention Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits in my ode to pre-meal bread, does that mean I can still eat them?

Would you consider it a problem if all I really want for dinner is spoonfuls of hot fudge straight out of the jar?

Why do I pay state income taxes when I don't even get the same days off as the state employees? These people have TWO days off this week for Veteran's Day and Statehood Day. Since I did not get those days off, apparently I don't have to celebrate Oklahoma OR Veterans.

And finally, why would anyone think that this guy doesn't deserve prison time?

That's it!

Short and Sweet Part 2

It's been a busy weekend. Very little time to blog.

Monday will be better!

Short and Sweet

Too tired to blog...but wanted to get something in on Saturday the 10th.

Poker wears you out. Especially when you kicked tail for the first 2 hours!!

The Scourge of Humanity

You may or may not know that I am a fan of college football. Of course, the Sooners are my favorite team, but I am also interested in all of college football. Yes, I am that crazy girl that actually watches the game instead of talking. When I go to games I wear my favorite lucky shirt (bought outside the stadium in 2001 for $5 and still going strong). I don't wear mini-skirts when I am standing in the student section; I don't apply any makeup before, during, or after the game; I don't fix my hair. And if you do any of that and come to an OU game I'm likely to throw up a little in my mouth and taunt you the rest of the game.

No...I don't think about myself, I think only about the game and the business on the field.

And while I can't name every play on the field, I do understand the game. I am also an expert on the BCS system, especially when it comes to points and who needs to lose so we can play in New Orleans for the National Title. I get it....and I L-O-V-E talking about it.

I read about it, I think about it, I watch games of teams I don't like....I heart college football. I wish I played college football.

I say all of that because each week I read this column on ESPN called the Forde Yard Dash. In there he talks about 40 different things relating to college football the previous week (his name is Pat Forde) and there is one thing he's doing this year that I think is hilarious.

Like most people, he is appalled at the way Notre Dame is playing this year. But what really gets him is that the Notre Dame nation is blaming their 1-8 team problems on Tyrone Willinghman, the coach from 3 years ago. "If Willinghman would have been a better recruiter..." and "These aren't Charlie's guys, these are Willingham's guys" and so on. It's ludicrous and Pat Forde knows it.

So....since Tyrone Willingham is responsible for the downfall of Notre Dame 3 years after he moved on to University of Washington, then his recruiting must be responsible for all the bad things that happen in the world. Like the wild fires in California, drought conditions across the country, Britney Spears' (1) mental crackup, Marie Osmond fainting on "Dancing with the Stars" and this week...he's responsible for the Hollywood writer's strike.

Every week it cracks me up to find out what Ty has caused this time. And it's made me dig really deep and try to come to some understanding of why bad things happen to me, and to the world. The only logical explanation is that Britney Spears (2) did it.

Since Willingham is the cause for the Hollywood writers strike this week, I can't blame that one on Brit (3). I do, however, have reports that she caused the death of one of the last two surviving Titanic passengers.

And, in case you're keeping count, that's 3 references to Britney Spears (4) in this post. Oops...make that four.

Starbucks Culture

I'm trying to contemplate the number of hours and money wasted at Starbucks lately. I'm preparing for another awesome trip this evening, which makes for a third trip to Starbucks this week alone.

I'm thinking lately it's been around 8 hours and $30 a week spent on Starbucks. I mean, it's no Britney Spears, but still it's a little outrageous.

And, all this Starbucks and friend bonding time has really kept me from spending any quality time with my DVR. But I guess the chats I'm having make up for that. What better reason to have a DVR than to give me a chance at having a real, live life?!

I'm also wondering how many blog posts will include Britney Spears in them...

Acceptance Speech

Tonight the Country Music Awards (CMA) are on. I've always liked country music, but I haven't really been listening to much more than sports radio lately. Still, some of my absolute favorite artists are on tonight: Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, the Eagles, and the list goes on.

I can't stop myself from watching! I could have used the evening to catch up Grey's from the last FOUR WEEKS but instead I'm watching the CMA's. I love awards shows, I really do. Two things I can't turn away from: awards shows and all-day marathons of America's Next Top Model. It's a vicious cycle.

Which begs the question of: have you practiced your acceptance speech? I've been practicing mine since I was old enough to know what an awards show is. They differ slightly depending on if I'm practicing for the Oscars or Emmys or Grammys. With Golden Globes you have to be a little more relaxed and have a little more fun. You know...it differs. But, of course, just like you I have practiced my acceptance speech.

Sample from my Oscars speech:

"Oh my gosh! I can't believe it, seriously, thank you! Oh, wow, I didn't even put together a speech because I never dreamed this could actually happen! And everyone knows if you practice a speech ahead of time you'll never get the award! I don't even know where to begin!

First of all, I'd like to thank the Academy. This is such an honor. I've always wanted to say that! Oh, wow, who next? I don't want to leave anyone out! I'd like to thank my amazing director, Steven Soderbergh for taking a chance on me. What an amazing experience for my very first movie--you're an amazing director and you made this movie an absolute adventure.

I want to thank my hilarious group of costars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac...and, well, all of the guys that worked on Ocean's 14 with me. You accepted me into your boys club and made every minute of work the most fun I've ever had. Thanks for making me one of the guys! And to Julia Roberts for becoming my new best friend.

Thanks to my manager, my agent, and all the people who work in movies to make other people look good.

Of course I want to thank my wonderful husband for moving out here to L.A. to pursue my dream of an Oscar and for not getting jealous every time I went to work with all those men! You're amazing and supportive and I love you. I want to thank my friends back home, who continue to encourage me and without who I would not be here today.

Thanks to my dad for instilling a love of the arts in me. Thanks to my sister for always listening. My whole family for getting me here after a life full of love and opportunity. Thanks to my mom for believing in me and being my biggest fan, even when John and I gave up lucrative careers in PR and insurance to move out here and go after a dream.

Thank you to God for setting this path for me. I'll try to repay you by never doing nude scenes. Ever.

Finally, I just have to say, because I'm here in Southern California....Boomer Sooner!"



Or something like that...

Losing my BUTT-er

At Weight Watchers tonight (I go for support and also so I can feel healthier and learn portion control--I know some of you wonder why I'm going) I found out I lost .4 pounds. Which is great (better than gaining or maintaining) but still kind of like "so what"??

Then, the lovely Liz and Pat at WW told me that .2 pounds is the same as a stick of butter. So...I actually lost two butter sticks worth of fat this past week!

When you think about it, that's pretty awesome! I have about 4.2 pounds to go to be at my goal, which is still a healthy 7 pounds heavier than the last time I quit WW.

Remember everyone--I go for support and because it helps me to feel motivated to have portion control and live a healthier life. Despite the small setback in my ban of pre-meal bread today, I'm back on track!

As for me and My house....we don't root for Texas

You thought I wasn't going to post in time, didn't you? Well I still have an hour to spare this beautiful November 5th...

I'll leave you with one short story and a "thrilling" video below.

John and his friend Andrew went to the OU/A&M game on Saturday night (don't get me started about how I was cleaning instead of tailgating). Anyway...he calls me long before the game starts and begins telling me about how Texas is giving him heartburn because they're about to lose the game at OSU.

Well, first of all they didn't lose. But my REAL concern was that John was rooting for Texas. Rooting. For. TEXAS. I do not care the reasoning behind this sudden change in position....no self-respecting OU fan EVER roots for Texas. Period.

Pam, back me up on this...

Anyway, I pointed out the error of this colossal mistake and I hope he learned his lesson. Yes, Texas winning makes us look that much better for beating them (and adds style points to the BCS). Yes, OSU is incredibly annoying this year (except for the Mike Gundy tirade which I thought was hilarious). Yes, it's two big rivals and you have to choose a battle. Yes, we already beat Texas and haven't beaten OSU this year. Yes, Matthew McConaughey is a hot Texas fan. I don't care. In THIS house we do not root for Texas.

Shout out to Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, fellow CofCer...guess I can't hate Texas but I can stand strong in not wanting them to win...

So, there is your story for the day. Crazy Sooner fan on the loose!

Thriller

John went to the game the other night, came home, and could hardly talk about anything else. Watch this video all the way through to see the Pride of Oklahoma really become the Pride! Thrilling...

Psychotic Tendencies?

Oh yeah!! I forgot to tell you about the celebrity babies.

A while back, Liz hosted a shower for Brooke and had this great game of match the celebrity baby with their parents! Knowing that Emily is as into celebrities and "People" as I am (her last blog entry was about Britney Spears and we all know how I feel about her), I figured it would be a fun game.

I'm not sure it went over very well...some people are just "too good" to know exactly what Suri Cruise looks like or what Brooke Shields' daughter's name is (Grier and Rowan) but I think Jen and Emily liked it anyway....

I sure felt like a psycho doing searches for these babies then having Kinko's print them! But, I guess it was better than another edition of Baby Bingo...

Wacky Weekend

What a weekend. As you might have gathered from many of my previous posts over the years, I prefer my weekends to have a lot of rest and relaxation. Or, in other words, naps and TV.

This weekend has been crazy! But it makes me realize that all rest and relaxation really does for me is make me feel crappy and depressed. I was so busy the past few days, and as the weekend comes to a close I feel refreshed and excited.

Saturday I had lots of errands to do my friend Emily's shower, which was being hosted at my house. Ok...so really, errands meant running to Kinko's for color copies of celebrity babies (more on that in a moment) and deep cleaning my house. I did not get around to pulling weeds and dusting the blinds but the house was pretty clean anyway. In the middle of that I was "forced" to meet with 3/5 of my book club (Samantha out sick and Charly....well, she lives far away now!) and we ended up spending several hours at my new favorite Starbucks. I would tell you where this new, quiet, not-busy Starbucks is but I'm afraid you will all start going there and make it not quiet and very busy. But let's just say it's near Cheeseburger in Paradise (great Mojitos, by the way!).

ANYWAY....we met there for a while where they helped me assemble lists of parents to the celebrity babies. And after all that, I had to watch OU kick A&M around the field (while trying not to be jealous of my husband who was there in person while I was cleaning our house). So, as you can see...quite a busy day.

And, in addition to NaBloPoMo November is also "Young Marrieds Children's Bible Hour" month. Which means I'm co-in charge of putting Children's Bible Hour together for the month of March. Doesn't sound like a big deal, right? It is...it's actually a lot of work! I finished my Saturday night putting the final touch on details for today's session.

Sunday we had Bible Hour, but it was also Donut Duty...which means John and I had to get up about 15 minutes before we usually get up (making us only 30 minutes late instead of 45) and pick up donuts for class. And it also meant John couldn't skip out on church because he was tired from the game. Then it was a lot of rushing around to get ready for Bible Hour, then scarfing down a sandwich to get home in time to decorate and assemble food before 25 people showed up for Emily's shower!

Now...it is all done and I only have evening Bible Hour and maybe a trip to Starbucks to go.

Ok, I know it wasn't the most exciting post....however you should realize you're getting 30 days in a row of blogging so not everything is going to be fun and interesting. Maybe I'll come up with something fun for tomorrow!

Let's Get Physical

Ok, so Aubrey posted a picture a while ago of herself with no makeup on and I thought that was really brave (not because she was scary without makeup, but because I would never have the guts to post a pic of myself without makeup!).

So...I hope you all take this photo in the right way and consider me brave to post this on my blog. It's really quite humiliating if I stop to think about it.

My company had a HUGE Halloween party this past week. And since there are around 30 offices across the U.S. we did live webstreaming fun times and they paid for our lunch. Then there was a costume contest between all the offices. If my officemates were not as equally humiliated with our costumes choices (lots of leotards and blue eye shadow) I would post the entire group photo.

Anyway....this was my contribution to the "Revenge of the 80s Aerobicizers" theme. We lost to a group of stupid french fries and ketchup in Atlanta but whatever....we were robbed.

Remember: not stupid, very brave...

**this post brought to you by MY computer**

I'm blogging

I'm blogging...on MY computer.

It's not an easy or pretty process...but I'm one step closer to back online!!

Thank goodness for the shift key....more to come!

NaBoblahblahblah

November is NaBloPoMo....or something like that. Basically it's a challenge to bloggers to blog every day in the month of November. Why they pick November is beyond me, seeing as at least one day of the month we're all locked in a food coma from all the eating.

Anyway...I didn't sign up or anything, but I'm still going to do my best to participate. I have several entries I'm working on (including a photo of my Halloween costume--80s aerobicizer) but for now I just have one thought I'll leave you with.

Lance and Ashley. What the H?!